It’s been an intense week! I’m just coming off the ASCFG national conference where I didn’t get to sit down for more than a hot minute. I lost my voice from talking so much! It was such an amazing delight to see so many old flower friends in one spot and to meet so many new ones too!

Being at the conference made me realize how spectacular my own journey has been and how very grateful I am. It wasn’t long ago I was one of those newbie growers with a million questions for the “pros”. Their willingness to share what they knew gave Love ‘n Fresh an amazing foundation to grow right from the start. It was so rewarding being able to be on the other side of that dynamic at this conference and to be able to give new growers knowledge and confidence to grow their flowers, their business and themselves even bigger and better!

I confess that I made this week’s Backyard Bouquets design a few days in advance for a small party we threw at the farm on Saturday night for our workshop and master class alumni. It was such a fun party and we were graced with one of the prettiest sunsets ever over the field as we sipped cocktails and chatted excitedly! It somehow seems fitting that this design definitely feels “autumn twilight” to me. I have loved the hues of the dahlias so much this fall (could you tell from all the dahlia arrangements I’ve been posting?? Ha!) and can’t believe we’re at the end of another season. I am going to miss these beauties just like I already miss all the wonderful fellowship at the conference this week.

What’s blooming in your backyard this week? Feel free to add a link to your own Backyard Bouquets in the comments section below. If you are on Instagram, be sure to use the hashtag #backyardbouquets to join in the fun. I’d love to see what everyone is growing and creating!
The only “rule” is that all the elements in the arrangement must be sourced locally, within a 25 mile radius. Your own backyard is a great place to start!!